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As a man who wished that everything he touched would transform into gold, King Midas is now turning his powers to the Penn Museum. A premiere, nine-month exhibition kicks off in February featuring the legendary “Golden Touch” King Midas, well known for his adverse adventures in Greek mythology.

Indisputably the most famous ruler of the Phrygian kingdom in central Turkey, the real King Midas lived in the prosperous city of Gordion, the political and cultural capital of the Phrygians nearly 3,000 years ago. It was there, in 1957, that the Penn Museum discovered a tomb believed to be that of King Midas’ father, Gordios.

The tomb’s findings serve as the centerpiece for the Golden Age of King Midas exhibition. Over 120 objects found within the final resting place of Gordios will be on display, gathered from four museums in the Republic of Turkey. Most of these extraordinary artifacts have never before traveled to the United States.

A detailed timeline will walk guests through the exhibition and provide a full-spectrum picture of the life of King Midas as well as Gordion at the time.

As part of this exploration, guests will be able to partake in a video experience that simulates what it was like inside the actual tomb when it was first sealed thousands of years ago. Site videos will also stream, depicting scenes taken during the world-famous excavation in 1957 to bring guests into the first moments of discovery.

The unearthing of a roughly several-millennia-old, intact royal tomb is highly unusual, as is the excellent state of preservation of the associated artifacts to be seen within the exhibit.

Tickets

Admission to The Golden Age of King Midas is an additional charge of $5 per person.

The exhibition is free to Penn Museum members, PennCard holders, and children five and under.